Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa: Odegaard let down by 4/10 trio in dramatic defeat | Football | Sport
Arsenal were beaten in heartbreaking fashion as Aston Villa left it late to snatch victory in a frenetic encounter at Villa Park. Mikel Arteta was forced to deploy a makeshift back four as a result of a defensive injury crisis and it showed in the first half, with the hosts getting the better opportunities. They eventually took the lead with Matty Cash smashing home at the back post after evading his marker.
The momentum shifted after the break as Arsenal gained the upper hand and they quickly found an equaliser. Leandro Trossard came off the bench to finish a sweeping team move orchestrated by Martin Odegaard and Bukayo Saka. Both teams had plenty of chances to find a winner and Villa eventually landed the decisive blow through Emi Buendia, who scored with the last kick of the game to claim all three points..
Express Sport rates and slates the Arsenal players following today’s dramatic defeat…
Arsenal player ratings vs Aston Villa
David Raya – 6
Made two big saves to deny Ollie Watkins either side of the interval and showed bravery in a frantic second half. Couldn’t have done much about either of Villa’s goals.
Ben White – 6
Posed a threat with some dangerous balls into the box. Wasn’t as good defensively, leaving spaces behind for Villa’s forwards to exploit.
Jurrien Timber – 5
Played out of position and it showed. Struggled with his positioning and was turned inside out by Ollie Watkins at one stage. Much better on the right.
Piero Hincapie – 6
Sloppy on the ball at times, often just booting it forward rather than taking the time to pick out a pass. Defended well enough, though.
Brought plenty of energy on the left side of the pitch, bombing forward to help out in attack while racing back to carry out his defensive duties. Booked in the second half.
Martin Zubimendi – 4
Was fairly anonymous in the middle of the park, failing to impose himself enough. Defensive positioning wasn’t always the best, either.
Declan Rice – 7
Worked hard at both ends of the pitch throughout. Won back possession in the build-up to the leveller and put his body on the line in defence.
Martin Odegaard – 8
Played the pass which started the move that led to the equalising goal. Came to life in the second half and was the orchestrator in the final third.
Eberechi Eze – 4
Didn’t have the impact he would have been hoping for and lost the run of Cash in the build-up to Villa’s opening goal. Replaced at the interval.
Bukayo Saka – 7
A lively and energetic display. Created the equaliser and was at the heart of most good things in the final third. Booked for a foul on Ian Maatsen.
Mikel Merino – 4
Struggled to get into the game and lost the ball more often than not when presented with opportunities. Hooked at the break.
Substitutes
Viktor Gyokeres – 6
Looked lively when he was introduced and made some promising runs, but wasn’t able to get himself on the scoresheet.
Leandro Trossard – 7
Got himself in the right place to score the equaliser. Was taken off himself in the closing stages after making his mark with a crucial contribution.
Noni Madueke – 6
Came on for the final 12 minutes in place of Saka and did okay without setting the world alight.
Myles Lewis-Skelly – n/a
A late addition.
Gabriel Martinelli – n/a
A late addition.
